There is a hunger in this digital age to hear authors together, to participate in programs, to just be in a place, a community space. ~ Carla Hayden
The Library of Congress, established in 1800, is the largest library in the world; and Carla Hayden is in charge of it. The current Librarian of Congress was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2016, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Prior to her appointment as Librarian of Congress, Hayden served as CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a rock star in the library world and served as president of the American Library Association from 2003 to 2004. Hayden is known for her advocacy for intellectual freedom, access to information, and diversity and inclusion in the library profession.
Librarian Hayden is partial to the spinach smoothies offered at the LC's Madison Café. Coffee is on the menu too--but don't even try to take a cup into the national stacks!
From Hayden's National Library Week Tweet: A library’s role in our communities is more relevant and important than ever. Libraries are the pillar of democracy because we provide free and open access to information but also a place for civic engagement and dialogue. #NationalLibraryWeek 9:44 AM-Apr 28, 2023